How to Clean a Leather Sofa

General Cleaner for All Leather

Cleaning leather furniture is simple and just requires common home materials. Dust the surface with a soft cloth first. Use a microfiber cloth to apply a 50/50 vinegar and water solution on your furniture. To remove the dirt from the natural fibers of the leather, rub it in a circular manner. Wring out and rewetting your cloth, return it to the basin frequently. As the dirt is removed from the leather and placed in the bowl, you’ll notice. Replace your cleaning agent as necessary when it gets too filthy. Don’t completely saturate the leather; only use a moist towel to remove the grime.

To Clean White Leather

Try one of these two approaches:

• Oil + Vinegar: In a spray bottle, mix 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup vinegar. Spray the stain, then let it stay for five minutes before wiping. Avoid using cleaners containing ammonia or bleach since they might harm the leather.

• Toothpaste: Use a moist towel to blot the stain. Just dampen the area, don’t flood it. Put some non-gel toothpaste on the discoloration and rub it in. To remove the discoloration, clean with a gentle toothbrush. When completed, wipe the area with a fresh cloth and then pat it dry with a towel. Scuffs can also be removed using toothpaste.

How to Remove Stains From Leather

• Dark Stains: By mixing one part lemon juice and one part cream of tartar into a paste, black stains on light-colored leather can be removed. Apply the paste on the stain and let sit for approximately 10 minutes. Apply a second coating of the paste, knead it in, and then wipe it away with a moisturizing soap- or water-soaked sponge.

• Water Stains: Leather may have water stains removed by lightly moistening the area once again, letting it air dry, or gently blowing it dry. Never let leather dry in the sun.

• Oil Stains: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the area to remove oil or grease. Gently rub it in. Allow to sit for a few hours or the entire night. The oil will be absorbed by the soda or starch. Apply a gentle cloth to the powder and remove it.

• Ink Stains: By rubbing alcohol-dipping a cotton swab and gently blotting the stain, you may remove ink stains from leather. Utilize a blow dryer to dry the area. Apply a thick layer of a non-gel, non-oily cuticle remover if the stain is still visible after drying. After leaving on all night, remove with a moist towel.

• Mold: Mix one part water and one part rubbing alcohol. Apply the afflicted area with a dampened cloth dipped in the alcohol solution. Clean up with a different moist towel. It will also get rid of mildew.

• Road Salt: In snowy places, salt stains on boots and shoes are frequent in the winter. Mix one part water with one part white vinegar to get rid of these stains. To remove the salt from the shoes, dip a towel into the solution and wipe or slightly coat. To thoroughly clean the surface, this step might need to be performed numerous times. When you’re done, they need to appear nearly brand new. Make sure to periodically wipe leather shoes with a moist towel and maintain a high shine with a conditioner.

How to Clean Leather, Suede, and Upholstery

Use these simple cleaning and protection methods for suede, leather, and upholstery.

How to Condition Leather

Leather needs protection and hydration over time, much like your skin. Natural baby soap, vinegar, and water may be used to make a quick and affordable leather conditioner. In a bowl, mix 2 cups of warm water, 1 tablespoon of organic baby soap, and 1 drop of vinegar. Making cautious not to saturate the area, massage the conditioning mixture into the leather with a microfiber cloth. Wet the leather and let the furniture continue to absorb the conditioner. Gentle oils in the baby soap will assist to clean and condition your leather.

You may also use a mixture with one part vinegar and two parts linseed oil to condition leather. Apply the solution to the leather with a soft cloth after shaking the solution thoroughly in a jar with a lid. Work all over the surface in a circular motion. To bring the leather surface to a sheen, rub it in well, let it sit for approximately 10 minutes, and then buff with a soft cloth. It might be necessary to polish again before sitting on the furniture. The remaining solution should be stored for later use.

To avoid drying out and cracking, keep leather furniture away from direct sunlight at all times.

FAQs

Can I use soap and water to clean my leather sofa?

The appropriate materials are needed for this delicate art of leather cleaning. By cleaning your leather furniture improperly, you run the risk of catastrophic harm. Most people think that the best cleaners for all types of leather are regular dish soap and water.

What should not be used to clean leather?

Never use detergents like ammonia or bleach since they are too strong and can harm the natural sheen of leather. When cleaning, water should also be used very carefully because too much liquid might actually leave stains behind. Use only moist cleaning cloths (as opposed to those that are completely soaked or leaking).

Does olive oil work well on leather?

Olive oil, and any other oily material for that matter, won’t “nourish,” but rather hasten the degeneration of your leather. Leather is quite porous and will absorb whatever oils you apply to it. Initially saturating leather with oil causes it to leak to the back—to the area you can’t see.